Karachi: Following the instructions from the provincial government, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui has directed all the Deputy Commissioners of five districts of city to take severe action against the 84 illegal hydrants and launch crackdown on Rati Bajri Mafia.

Presiding over a meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Deputy Managing Director of Karachi Water & Sewerage Board here at his office on Wednesday, Commissioner said excavation of sand gravel has endangered the installations of KWSB and in that case water supply to the city could be suspended or stopped.

DMD, KWSB, Iftikhar Ahmed informed the meeting that illegal hydrants were supplying water to the citizens from wells, which is hazardous for the health. They were also involved in stealing the water from KWSB main lines. He told that there are 13 illegal hydrants in central district, 6 in Malir district, 10 in East district, 4 in South district and 61 in West district.

Commissioner ordering the crackdown on 84 illegal hydrants asked the officials to detain the persons involved in illegal water trade, seize their vehicles and machinery and demolish the constructions besides disconnecting the illegal connections.

He ordered providing full support of district administration, police and other departments to the KWSB to bring an end to illegal hydrants and pumping stations.